Aerosol-generating system including a cartridge containing a gel

ABSTRACT

A cartridge for an aerosol-generating system may include a first chamber housing defining a first chamber and a second chamber housing defining a second chamber that is separate from the first chamber. The first chamber may contain an aerosol-forming substrate in the form of a gel, and the second chamber may contain a source of a desired compound. The first and second chamber housings may be separate or separable structures.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of and claims priority to PCT/EP2017/067449,filed on Jul. 11, 2017, and further claims priority to EP 16181953.7,filed on Jul. 29, 2016, both of which are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND Field

Example embodiments relate to an aerosol-generating system that heats anaerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol, including anaerosol-generating system that heats a gel to form an aerosol.

Description of Related Art

Aerosol-generating systems operate by heating a liquid formulation togenerate an aerosol. Typically, aerosol-generating systems comprise adevice portion and a cartridge. In some systems, the device portioncontains a power supply and control electronics, and the cartridgecontains a liquid reservoir holding the liquid formulation, a heater forvapourising the liquid formulation, and a wick that transports theliquid from the liquid reservoir to the heater. However, there is apotential for leakage of the liquid from the liquid reservoir bothduring transport and storage, and when the cartridge is connected to thedevice portion. The use of a wick to transport the liquid from thereservoir to the heater may also add complexity to the system.

SUMMARY

A cartridge for an aerosol-generating system may comprise a firstchamber housing defining a first chamber and a second chamber housingdefining a second chamber that is separate from the first chamber. Thefirst chamber may be configured to contain an aerosol-forming substratein a form of a first gel. The second chamber may be configured tocontain a source of a desired compound. The first chamber housing andthe second chamber housing may be separate or separable structures.

The first gel may include a thermoreversible gel.

The first chamber housing and the second chamber housing may beconnected by a mechanical interlock or by a fastening element.

The first gel may include agar, agarose, Gellan gum, or sodium alginate.

The source of the desired compound may include a nicotine source or aflavour source.

The second chamber may be configured to contain a second gel, and thesecond gel may include the source of the desired compound.

The first chamber may also be configured to contain a nicotine source.

The second chamber may be configured to contain a solid tobaccomaterial.

The first chamber housing and the second chamber housing may define aslot therebetween.

The slot may be a blind slot.

The first chamber and the second chamber may contain differentcompositions.

The first chamber and the second chamber may be blind chambers.

At least one of the first chamber housing and the second chamber housingmay include a susceptor layer.

An aerosol-generating system may comprise a cartridge and a device body.The device body may include a power supply configured to apply a voltageto an electrical heater. The cartridge may be configured to removablyconnect to or be removably received in the device body.

The electrical heater may be configured to heat the cartridge togenerate a vapour. The electrical heater may not be in direct contactwith the aerosol-forming substrate.

The electrical heater may be configured to heat the aerosol-formingsubstrate within the first chamber housing.

The device body may include the power supply and the electrical heater.The electrical heater may be positioned between the first chamber andthe second chamber when the cartridge is connected to or received in thedevice body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various features and advantages of the non-limiting embodimentsherein may become more apparent upon review of the detailed descriptionin conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawingsare merely provided for illustrative purposes and should not beinterpreted to limit the scope of the claims. The accompanying drawingsare not to be considered as drawn to scale unless explicitly noted. Forpurposes of clarity, various dimensions of the drawings may have beenexaggerated.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an aerosol-generating system inaccordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 2a is a perspective view of a mouthpiece portion in accordance withan example embodiment.

FIG. 2b is a bottom perspective view of a cartridge housing inaccordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 2c is a top perspective view of the cartridge assembly of FIG. 2 b.

FIG. 2d shows one of the chambers of the cartridge assembly of FIG. 2 b.

FIGS. 3a, 3b, and 3c illustrate a sequence including an insertion of acartridge into a device body and a piercing of a frangible seal on thecartridge by a mouthpiece portion in accordance with an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of another aerosol-generating systemin accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of another aerosol-generating systemin accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 6a is a schematic illustration of a cartridge assembly that is heldwithin a mouthpiece tube in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 6b is an exploded view of the elements within the mouthpiece tubeof FIG. 6 a.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of the airflow through the mouthpiece tube ofFIG. 6 a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to asbeing “on,” “connected to,” “coupled to,” or “covering” another elementor layer, it may be directly on, connected to, coupled to, or coveringthe other element or layer or intervening elements or layers may bepresent. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directlyon,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another elementor layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. Likenumbers refer to like elements throughout the specification. As usedherein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one ormore of the associated listed items.

It should be understood that, although the terms first, second, third,etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components,regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions,layers, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. Theseterms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region,layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Thus, a firstelement, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could betermed a second element, component, region, layer, or section withoutdeparting from the teachings of example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms (e.g., “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,”“upper,” and the like) may be used herein for ease of description todescribe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) orfeature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It should be understood thatthe spatially relative terms are intended to encompass differentorientations of the device in use or operation in addition to theorientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in thefigures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” otherelements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elementsor features. Thus, the term “below” may encompass both an orientation ofabove and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptorsused herein interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing variousembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of exampleembodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” areintended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms“includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used inthis specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers,steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude thepresence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps,operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Example embodiments are described herein with reference tocross-sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations ofidealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of exampleembodiments. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations asa result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances,are to be expected. Thus, example embodiments should not be construed aslimited to the shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to includedeviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. Itwill be further understood that terms, including those defined incommonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaningthat is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant artand will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal senseunless expressly so defined herein.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, or as is apparent from thediscussion, terms such as “processing” or “computing” or “calculating”or “determining” or “displaying” or the like, refer to the action andprocesses of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device,that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical, electronicquantities within the computer system's registers and memories intoother data similarly represented as physical quantities within thecomputer system memories or registers or other such information storage,transmission or display devices.

In the following description, illustrative embodiments may be describedwith reference to acts and symbolic representations of operations (e.g.,in the form of flow charts, flow diagrams, data flow diagrams, structurediagrams, block diagrams, etc.) that may be implemented as programmodules or functional processes including routines, programs, objects,components, data structures, etc., that perform particular tasks orimplement particular abstract data types. The operations be implementedusing existing hardware in existing electronic systems, such as one ormore microprocessors, Central Processing Units (CPUs), digital signalprocessors (DSPs), application-specific-integrated-circuits (ASICs),SoCs, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), computers, or the like.

One or more example embodiments may be (or include) hardware, firmware,hardware executing software, or any combination thereof. Such hardwaremay include one or more microprocessors, CPUs, SoCs, DSPs, ASICs, FPGAs,computers, or the like, configured as special purpose machines toperform the functions described herein as well as any other well-knownfunctions of these elements. In at least some cases, CPUs, SoCs, DSPs,ASICs and FPGAs may generally be referred to as processing circuits,processors and/or microprocessors.

Although processes may be described with regard to sequentialoperations, many of the operations may be performed in parallel,concurrently or simultaneously. In addition, the order of the operationsmay be re-arranged. A process may be terminated when its operations arecompleted, but may also have additional steps not included in thefigure. A process may correspond to a method, function, procedure,subroutine, subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a function,its termination may correspond to a return of the function to thecalling function or the main function.

As disclosed herein, the term “storage medium”, “computer readablestorage medium” or “non-transitory computer readable storage medium,”may represent one or more devices for storing data, including read onlymemory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic RAM, core memory,magnetic disk storage mediums, optical storage mediums, flash memorydevices and/or other tangible machine readable mediums for storinginformation. The term “computer-readable medium” may include, but is notlimited to, portable or fixed storage devices, optical storage devices,and various other mediums capable of storing, containing or carryinginstruction(s) and/or data.

Furthermore, at least some portions of example embodiments may beimplemented by hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode,hardware description languages, or any combination thereof. Whenimplemented in software, firmware, middleware or microcode, the programcode or code segments to perform the necessary tasks may be stored in amachine or computer readable medium such as a computer readable storagemedium. When implemented in software, processor(s), processingcircuit(s), or processing unit(s) may be programmed to perform thenecessary tasks, thereby being transformed into special purposeprocessor(s) or computer(s).

A code segment may represent a procedure, function, subprogram, program,routine, subroutine, module, software package, class, or any combinationof instructions, data structures or program statements. A code segmentmay be coupled to another code segment or a hardware circuit by passingand/or receiving information, data, arguments, parameters or memorycontents. Information, arguments, parameters, data, etc. may be passed,forwarded, or transmitted via any suitable means including memorysharing, message passing, token passing, network transmission, etc.

According to some example embodiments, there is provided anaerosol-generating cartridge for an aerosol-generating system. Theaerosol-generating cartridge may comprise a first chamber and a secondchamber that is separate from the first chamber. The first chamber maycontain an aerosol-forming substrate in the form of a gel, and thesecond chamber may contain a source of a desired compound.

The source of a desired compound may comprise one or both of a source ofnicotine and a flavour source.

The gel may be solid at room temperature. “Solid” in this context meansthat the gel has a stable size and shape and does not flow. The firstand second chambers may contain different compositions. Both the firstand second chambers may contain a gel. The second chamber may contain asolid material. In an example embodiment, neither the first chamber northe second chamber contains a material which is not solid at roomtemperature.

In this context, an aerosol-forming substrate is a material or mixtureof materials capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form anaerosol. The provision of the aerosol-forming substrate in the form of agel may be beneficial for storage and transport. By providing theaerosol-forming substrate in a gel, the risk of leakage from the devicemay be reduced. Replenishing of the device with aerosol formingsubstrate when depleted or exhausted may also be improved, for exampleby reducing the risk of leakage or spillage.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an aerosol-former. As usedherein, the term “aerosol-former” refers to any suitable known compoundor mixture of compounds that, in use, facilitates formation of a denseand stable aerosol. An aerosol-former is substantially resistant tothermal degradation at the operating temperature of the cartridge.Suitable aerosol-formers are known in the art and include, but are notlimited to: polyhydric alcohols, such as triethylene glycol,1,3-butanediol and glycerine; esters of polyhydric alcohols, such asglycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- orpolycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyltetradecanedioate. In an example embodiment, the aerosol formers arepolyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof, such as triethylene glycol,1,3-butanediol, and glycerine or polyethylene glycol.

A gel formulation or composition that is suited to releasingaerosol-former at a particular temperature may not be ideally suited forretaining and then releasing other compounds. By providing separatechambers, one containing the aerosol-former and one or more otherscontaining the other compounds, for example nicotine or flavour sourcecompounds, improved retention and release for both can be realised.

The first chamber may contain additional materials or components inaddition to the gel.

As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating cartridge” refers to anarticle comprising an aerosol-forming substrate that is intended to beheated rather than combusted in order to release volatile compounds thatcan form an aerosol. When the resulting aerosol is to contain nicotine,a source of the nicotine may be contained in a gel. The source ofnicotine may be included in one or both of the first and secondchambers. The nicotine may be included in a gel with an aerosol-formerin the first chamber or may be included in a second gel in the secondchamber or may be included in gels in both chambers. Reducing the riskof leakage of nicotine-containing material from the system by retainingthe nicotine in the gel at room temperature is therefore desirable. Inalternative arrangements, the source of nicotine may be housed in thesecond chamber, for example in a liquid or solid material.

Flavour compounds may be contained in the second chamber in a gel.Alternatively or in addition, flavour compounds may be provided inanother form. For example, the second chamber may contain a solidtobacco material that releases flavour compounds when heated. The secondchamber may contain, for example, one or more of: powder, granules,pellets, shreds, spaghettis, strips or sheets containing one or more of:herb leaf, tobacco leaf, fragments of tobacco ribs, reconstitutedtobacco, homogenised tobacco, extruded tobacco and expanded tobacco. Thesolid tobacco material in the second chamber may be in loose form. Thetobacco may be contained in a gel or liquid. The second chamber maycontain additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavour compounds, tobe released upon heating.

The first or second chamber may contain capsules that, for example,include volatile flavour compounds and such capsules may release theircontent, for example by melting during heating.

The gel may comprise a thermoreversible gel. This means that the gelwill become fluid when heated to a melting temperature and will set intoa gel again at a gelation temperature. The gelation temperature may beat or above room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Room temperaturein this context means 25 degrees Celsius. Atmospheric pressure means apressure of 1 atmosphere. The melting temperature is higher than thegelation temperature. The melting temperature of the gel may be above 50degrees Celsius (e.g., above 60 degrees Celsius, above 70 degreesCelsius, or above 80 degrees Celsius). The melting temperature in thiscontext means the temperature at which the gel is no longer solid andbegins to flow. In a non-limiting embodiment, the gel comprises agar oragarose or sodium alginate. The gel may comprise Gellan gum. The gel maycomprise a mixture of materials. The gel may comprise water.

The gel may be provided as a single block or may be provided as aplurality of gel elements, for example beads or capsules. The use ofbeads or capsules may allow for simple refilling of the first (orsecond) chamber. The use of capsules or beads may also allow a visualindication as to when a cartridge has already been used, because gelwill not form the same capsules or beads on gelation after heating andsubsequent cooling.

When agar is used as the gelling agent, the gel may comprise between 0.5and 5% by weight (e.g., between 0.8 and 1% by weight) agar. The gel mayfurther comprise between 0.1 and 2% by weight nicotine. The gel mayfurther comprise between 30% and 90% by weight (e.g., between 70 and 90%by weight) glycerin. A remainder of the gel may comprise water and anyflavourings.

When Gellan gum is used as the gelling agent, the gel may comprisebetween 0.5 and 5% by weight Gellan gum. The gel may further comprisebetween 0.1 and 2% by weight nicotine. The gel may further comprisebetween 30% and 99.4% by weight glycerin. A remainder of the gel maycomprise water and any flavourings.

In an example embodiment, the gel comprises 2% by weight nicotine, 70%by weight glycerol, 27% by weight water, and 1% by weight agar. Inanother example embodiment, the gel comprises 65% by weight glycerol,20% by weight water, 14.3% by weight tobacco, and 0.7% by weight agar.

In an example embodiment, the cartridge does not comprise a transportelement or mechanism for transporting the aerosol-former to a heatsource or heater. For instance, the contents of the first or secondchambers may be heated in situ to generate a desired aerosol. In thiscontext, in situ means in the same position within the first and secondchambers that the contents are held prior to the heating to generate theaerosol. Thus, there is no requirement for a capillary wick or pump insuch an example. Furthermore, in a non-limiting embodiment, neither thefirst chamber nor the second chamber comprises a non-volatile structurefor holding or retaining a liquid or gel in proximity to the heater.

The first and second chambers may be positioned side by side or onewithin the other or may be arranged in series such that an air flow canpass first through or past one chamber and then through or past theother.

The cartridge may comprise a slot between the first and second chambers.The slot may be configured to receive a heating element. The heatingelement may be received in the slot for example when the cartridge isinstalled in an aerosol-forming device. The provision of a slot intowhich a heating element is received may provide for efficient heating byfacilitating that heat energy from the heating element is passeddirectly to the first and second chambers rather than for exampleheating other elements of the system or the ambient air. The slot may bea blind slot. “Blind” in this context means closed at one end. Theprovision of a blind slot allows the heating element to be shielded fromthe vapour or aerosol generated by the system and can help to preventthe build-up of condensates on the heater.

The cartridge may be referred to as a cartridge assembly and maycomprise chambers that can be separately inserted into, or connected to,and removed from, other elements of the aerosol-generating system. Thecartridge assembly may comprise components in addition to the first andsecond chambers. The cartridge may comprise a housing. The housing ofthe cartridge may be formed from one or more materials. Suitablematerials include, but are not limited to, metal, aluminium, polymer,polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyimides, such as Kapton®, polyethyleneterephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene(PS), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE), epoxy resins, polyurethane resins and vinyl resins.

The housing of the cartridge may be formed from one or more thermallyconductive materials. The interior of the first chamber or the secondchamber may be coated or treated to comprise one or more thermallyconductive materials. Use of one or more thermally conductive materialsto form the cartridge or coat the interior of the first chamber and thesecond chamber may increase heat transfer from the heater to the contentof the chamber, for example the gel. Suitable thermally conductivematerials include, but are not limited to, metals such as, for example,aluminium, chromium, copper, gold, iron, nickel and silver, alloys, suchas brass and steel and ceramics, or combinations thereof. At least onewall of the housing may have a thermal conductivity greater than 10Watts per metre per Kelvin at room temperature. In an exampleembodiment, the housing comprises a least one wall formed fromaluminium.

In example embodiments in which the cartridge is configured to be heatedinductively, the housing of the cartridge may comprise a susceptor, forexample a susceptor layer. The susceptor layer may for example form awall of the housing or may be a coating applied to the interior orexterior of the housing. A susceptor may be located within the first orsecond chambers. For example, the gel may comprise a susceptor material.

Cartridges for use in aerosol-generating systems may be formed by anysuitable method. Suitable methods include, but are not limited to, deepdrawing, injection moulding, blistering, blow forming, and extrusion.

The cartridge may comprise a mouthpiece configured to allow anapplication of a negative pressure to draw the aerosol from theaerosol-generating device. Where the cartridge comprises a mouthpiece,the mouthpiece may comprise a filter. The filter may have a lowparticulate filtration efficiency or very low particulate filtrationefficiency. Alternatively, the mouthpiece may comprise a hollow tube.The mouthpiece may comprise an airflow modifier, for example arestrictor.

The cartridge may be provided within a mouthpiece tube. The mouthpiecetube may comprise an aerosol-forming chamber. The mouthpiece tube maycomprise an airflow restrictor. The mouthpiece tube may comprise afilter. The mouthpiece tube may comprise a cardboard housing. Themouthpiece tube may comprise one or more vapour impermeable elementswithin the cardboard tube. The mouthpiece tube may have a diametersimilar to a cigarette, for example around 7 mm. The mouthpiece tube mayhave an end through which the aerosol exits. The cartridge may be heldin the mouthpiece tube for example at an opposite end to the mouth end.

One or both of the first and second chambers may be blind chambers.Blind in this context means closed at one end. In an example embodiment,there is only one exit aperture from the chamber. The cartridge housingmay comprise at least one liquid and vapour impermeable external walldefining a blind chamber. Both the first and second chambers may beblind chambers. The use of blind chambers may reduce the risk ofleakage. One or both of the chambers may be sealed by one or morefrangible barriers.

The one or more frangible barriers may be formed from any suitablematerial. For example, the one or more frangible barriers may be formedfrom a foil or film, for example comprising metal. Where the cartridgecomprises one or more frangible barriers sealing one or both of thefirst chamber and the second chamber, the device body may furthercomprise a piercing member configured to rupture the one or morefrangible barriers.

Alternatively or in addition, one or both of the first chamber and thesecond chamber may be sealed by one or more removable barriers. Forexample, one or both of the first chamber and the second chamber may besealed by one or more peel-off seals.

The one or more removable barriers may be formed from any suitablematerial. For example, the one or more removable barriers may be formedfrom a foil or film, for example comprising a metal.

One or both of the first and second chambers may be sealed by a vapourpermeable element, for example a membrane or mesh configured to allowthe escape of vapour from the first or second chamber through themembrane or mesh. Alternatively one or both of the first and secondchambers may be sealed by a pressure activated valve that allows for therelease of vapour through the valve when a pressure difference acrossthe valve exceeds a threshold pressure difference.

The first chamber and the second chamber may be fixed together butseparable from one another. The first and second chambers may beprovided separately and fixed together using a suitable mechanicalinterlock, such as a snap fitting or a screw fitting. Alternatively, thefirst and second chambers may be held together using a separateretaining or fixing element. Alternatively, the first and secondchambers may remain separate during use.

By providing the first and second chambers separately, a “mix and match”type set of choices may be made available. The contents of the firstchamber may provide a particular dosage of a target compound fordelivery, such as nicotine or a particular density of aerosol, and arange of options may be made available. The contents of the secondchamber may primarily provide flavour compounds, and a range of optionsfor the second chamber may be available. An adult vaper can choose onechamber from the range of first chambers and one chamber from the rangeof second chambers and may fit them together to form a completecartridge.

Even when the first and second chambers are provided together andpermanently fixed to one another, the same mix and match approach may betaken by a manufacturer to provide a range of different cartridgeassemblies.

The first and second chambers may be of the same size and shape as oneanother or they may have a different size or shape to one another. Thesize and shape of the first and second chamber may be chosen to suittheir contents, and to provide for a particular heating rate in use.

It is also possible to have more than two chambers. It may be desirableto have three or more chambers in the cartridge assembly, with at leasttwo of the chambers having different contents.

The cartridge may have any suitable shape.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the cartridge is substantiallycylindrical.

The cartridge may have any suitable size.

The cartridge may have a length of, for example, between about 5 mm andabout 30 mm. In some example embodiments, the cartridge may have alength of about 12 mm.

The cartridge may have a diameter of, for example, between about 4 mmand about 10 mm. In some example embodiments, the cartridge may have adiameter of about 7 mm.

An aerosol-generating system may comprise an aerosol-generating deviceand a cartridge according to any of the example embodiments describedabove. The aerosol-generating device may be an electrically operatedaerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating system may beconfigured to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-generating system may bea handheld system and may comprise a mouthpiece.

In an example embodiment, there is provided an aerosol-generating systemcomprising a cartridge comprising two separate chambers, one chambercontaining an aerosol-forming substrate in the form of a gel, and theother containing a source of a desired compound, and anaerosol-generating device comprising a power supply for an electricalheater, the cartridge being configured to removably connect to or beremovably received in the aerosol-generating device. Separate chambersmay be connected to and removed from the aerosol-generating deviceseparately. In some example embodiments, the cartridge is held within amouthpiece tube, and the mouthpiece tube is removably received in theaerosol-generating device.

The source of a desired compound may comprise one or both of a source ofnicotine and a flavour source.

The electrical heater may be configured to heat the cartridge togenerate a vapour within the cartridge from the aerosol-formingsubstrate. The device body may comprise an electrical power supply andthe electrical heater. Alternatively, the cartridge may comprise all ora portion of the electrical heater.

The aerosol-generating device of the aerosol-generating system maycomprise: a housing having a cavity for receiving the cartridge. Theaerosol-generating device may comprise electronic circuitry configuredto control the supply of power from a power supply to an electricheating element of the electrical heater.

The electric heating element may comprise one or more heating elements.

In some example embodiments, the electrically operatedaerosol-generating device comprises an electric heating element and ahousing having a cavity, wherein the heated cartridge is received in thecavity. The heating element may conveniently be shaped as a needle, pin,rod, or blade that may be inserted into a slot or slots defined by thecartridge assembly.

The electric heating element may comprise one or more external heatingelements, one or more internal heating elements, or one or more externalheating elements and one or more internal heating elements. In thiscontext, external means outside of the cavity and internal means insideof the cavity for receiving the cartridge.

The one or more external heating elements may comprise an array ofexternal heating elements arranged around the inner surface of thecavity. In certain examples, the external heating elements extend alongthe longitudinal direction of the cavity. With this arrangement, theheating elements may extend along the same direction in which thecartridge is inserted into and removed from the cavity. This may reduceinterference between the heating elements and the cartridge relative todevices in which the heating elements are not aligned with the length ofthe cavity. In some example embodiments, the external heating elementsextend along the length direction of the cavity and are spaced apart inthe circumferential direction. Where the heating element comprises oneor more internal heating elements, the one or more internal heatingelements may comprise any suitable number of heating elements. Forexample, the heating element may comprise a single internal heatingelement. The single internal heating element may extend along thelongitudinal direction of the cavity.

The electric heating element may comprise an electrically resistivematerial. Suitable electrically resistive materials include but are notlimited to: semiconductors such as doped ceramics, electrically“conductive” ceramics (such as, for example, molybdenum disilicide),carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys and composite materials made of aceramic material and a metallic material. Such composite materials maycomprise doped or undoped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramicsinclude doped silicon carbides. Examples of suitable metals includetitanium, zirconium, tantalum and metals from the platinum group.Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, Constantan,nickel-, cobalt-, chromium-, aluminium- titanium- zirconium-, hafnium-,niobium-, molybdenum-, tantalum-, tungsten-, tin-, gallium-, manganese-and iron-containing alloys, and super-alloys based on nickel, iron,cobalt, stainless steel, Timetal®, iron-aluminium based alloys andiron-manganese-aluminium based alloys. Timetal® is a registered trademark of Titanium Metals Corporation, 1999 Broadway Suite 4300, Denver,Colo. In composite materials, the electrically resistive material mayoptionally be embedded in, encapsulated or coated with an insulatingmaterial or vice-versa, depending on the kinetics of energy transfer andthe external physicochemical properties required. The heating elementmay comprise a metallic etched foil insulated between two layers of aninert material. In that case, the inert material may comprise Kapton®,all-polyimide or mica foil. Kapton® is a registered trade mark of E.I.du Pont de Nemours and Company, 1007 Market Street, Wilmington, Del.19898, United States of America.

The electric heating element may be formed using a metal having adefined relationship between temperature and resistivity. In suchexample embodiments, the metal may be formed as a track between twolayers of suitable insulating materials. An electric heating elementformed in this manner may be used both as a heater and a temperaturesensor.

Where the electric heating element comprises a susceptor, theaerosol-generating device may comprise an inductor arranged to generatea fluctuating electromagnetic field within the cavity and an electricalpower supply connected to the inductor. The inductor may comprise one ormore coils that generate a fluctuating electromagnetic field. The coilor coils may surround the cavity.

The device may be capable of generating a fluctuating electromagneticfield of between 1 and 30 MHz. For example, the fluctuatingelectromagnetic field may be between 2 and 10 MHz (e.g., between 5 and 7MHz). The device may be capable of generating a fluctuatingelectromagnetic field having a field strength (H-field) of between 1 and5 kA/m. For example, the field strength may be between 2 and 3 kA/m(e.g., about 2.5 kA/m).

The aerosol-generating system and the aerosol-generating deviceaccording to an example embodiment may comprise a single heater. Thisconfiguration may simplify the device construction. The single heatermay be configured as an external heater that in use is positionedexternally to the cavity.

Alternatively, the single heater may be configured as an internal heaterthat in use is positioned internally to the cavity and received in aslot in the cartridge. In a non-limiting embodiment, the single heateris configured as an internal heater.

Where the single heater is configured as an internal heater, theaerosol-generating device may comprise guide means to facilitate properalignment of the internal heater with the cartridge.

The single heater may be an electric heating element comprising anelectrically resistive material. The electric heating element maycomprise a non-elastic material, for example, a ceramic sinteredmaterial, such as glass, alumina (Al₂O₃), and silicon nitride (Si₃N₄),or printed circuit board or silicon rubber. Alternatively, the electricheating element may comprise an elastic, metallic material, for example,an iron alloy or a nickel-chromium alloy.

The single heater may have any shape suitable to heat both chambers ofthe cartridge. The electrical heater may be positioned between the firstand second chambers when the cartridge is connected to or received inthe device body. In some example embodiments, the single heater is anelongate internal electric heating element. For instance, the singleheater may be an elongate internal electric heating element having awidth that is greater than the thickness thereof so that the elongateinternal electric heating element is in the form of a heater blade.

In an example embodiment, the heater does not project from theaerosol-generating device.

The aerosol-generating system may comprise more than one heater to allowfor different or selective heating of the first and second chambers. Itmay be desirable to heat the first chamber to a different temperature tothe second chamber, for example.

The aerosol-generating system and the aerosol-generating deviceaccording to an example embodiment may further comprise one or moretemperature sensors configured to sense the temperature of at least oneof the electrical heater. In such example embodiments, the controllermay be configured to control a supply of power to the electrical heaterbased on the sensed temperature.

Any suitable electronic circuitry may be used in order to control thesupply of power to the electric heating element. The electroniccircuitry may be a simple switch. Alternatively the electronic circuitrymay comprise one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers. Theelectronic circuitry may be programmable.

The power supply may be a DC voltage source. In some exampleembodiments, the power supply is a battery. For example, the powersupply may be a Nickel-metal hydride battery, a Nickel cadmium battery,or a Lithium based battery, for example a Lithium-Cobalt, aLithium-Iron-Phosphate or a Lithium-Polymer battery. The power supplymay alternatively be another form of charge storage device such as acapacitor. The power supply may require recharging and may have acapacity that allows for the storage of enough energy for use of theaerosol-generating device with one or more aerosol-generatingcartridges.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a body portion containing thepower supply and a mouthpiece portion configured for engagement with thebody portion. The body portion may be configured to receive thecartridge or cartridge assembly in a cavity of the body portion. Byproviding a reusable mouthpiece, separate to the cartridge, theconstruction of the cartridge can be simpler and relatively inexpensive.

The cavity of the aerosol-generating device may be substantiallycylindrical.

As used herein, the terms “cylinder” and “cylindrical” refer to asubstantially right circular cylinder with a pair of opposedsubstantially planar end faces.

The cavity of the aerosol-generating device may have a diametersubstantially equal to or slightly greater than the diameter of thecartridge.

In an example embodiment, the system does not comprise a transportmechanism for transporting the aerosol-former to the heater. Forinstance, the contents of the cartridge may be heated in situ togenerate a desired aerosol. In this context, in situ means in the sameposition within the first and second chambers that the contents are heldprior to the heating to generate the aerosol. Thus, there is norequirement for a capillary wick or a pump in such an example.

Where the cartridge comprises one or more frangible barriers sealing oneor both of the first chamber and the second chamber, theaerosol-generating device may further comprise a piercing memberconfigured to rupture the one or more frangible barriers.

The aerosol-generating device may be a portable or handheldaerosol-generating device that is comfortable to hold between thefingers of a single hand.

The aerosol-generating device may be substantially cylindrical in shape.The aerosol-generating device may have a length of between approximately70 millimetres and approximately 120 millimetres.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an aerosol-generating system inaccordance with an example embodiment. The system comprises anaerosol-generating device 10 and a cartridge 20 (e.g., replaceablecartridge). The aerosol-generating device comprises a device body 12 anda mouthpiece portion 14.

The device body 12 comprises a power supply, which may be a battery 16(e.g., lithium ion battery) and electronic control circuitry 18. Thedevice body also includes heater 22, which is in the form a blade thatprojects into a cavity 24 in the housing of the device body. The heateris an electric heater comprising an electrically resistive track on aceramic substrate material. The control circuitry is configured tocontrol the supply of power from the battery 16 to the heater 22 (e.g.,electric heater).

The mouthpiece portion 14 may engage the device body 12 using arelatively simple push fitting, although any type of suitableconnection, such as a snap fitting or screw fitting may be used. Themouthpiece portion 14 may be a tapered hollow tube (e.g., without anyfilter elements) and is shown in more detail in FIG. 2a . However, it ispossible to include one or more filter elements in the mouthpieceportion 14. The mouthpiece portion 14 comprises air inlet holes 42 andencloses an aerosol-forming chamber 40 (shown in FIG. 1) in which vapourcan condense in an airflow prior to exiting the aerosol-generatingdevice 10.

The cartridge 20 comprises a housing defining two blind chambers. Thetwo chambers 30, 32 are open at a mouthpiece end. A membrane 37 (shownin FIG. 1) seals the open end of the chambers. A removable seal may beprovided over the membrane and subsequently peeled off. A blind slot 34is provided between the two chambers for the heater 22 to be receivedin. The blind slot 34 is closed at the mouthpiece end. A first chamber30 holds a first gel, containing nicotine and aerosol-former, and thesecond chamber 32 holds a second gel, containing shredded tobaccoleaves.

FIG. 2b is a bottom perspective view of the cartridge assembly housing.FIG. 2c is a perspective view of the cartridge assembly housing. Thecartridge 20 has a generally cylindrical shape. The first chamberhousing 35 and the second chamber housing 33 are separate and of equalsize and shape, and held together at an interface 36. The first chamberhousing 35 and the second chamber housing 33 are held together by aretaining ring 39. Both chamber housings engage the retaining ring 39.Other means of holding the chambers together are possible, such as aseparate clip or bracket, or the provision of interlocking or snapfitting features on each of the chambers. The blind slot 34 is formedbetween the chambers when they are held together. A channel 38 isprovided in a wall of the first chamber housing 35 to engage acorresponding rib in the cavity 24. In addition or in the alternative,the channel 38 may be provided in a wall of the second chamber housing33. This ensures that the cartridge assembly can only be inserted intothe cavity 24 in one orientation, in which the heater blade is receivedin the blind slot 34.

FIG. 2d shows the housing of one of the chambers shown in FIGS. 2b and2c showing the shape of the blind slot 34. The shape of the slot matchesthe blade shape of the heater.

The first gel in the first chamber 30 comprises one or two aerosolformers such as glycerin and polyethylene glycol. The relativeconcentration of the aerosol formers can be adapted to the particularrequirements of the system. In this example embodiment, the gel in thefirst chamber 30 comprises (by weight): 2% nicotine, 70% glycerin, 27%water, 1% agar.

The gelling agent may be agar, which has the property of melting attemperatures above 85° C. and turning back to gel at around 40° C. Thisproperty makes it suitable for relatively hot environments. For example,the gel will not melt at 50° C., which is useful if the system is leftin a hot automobile in the sun. Also, a phase transition to liquid ataround 85° C. means that the gel only needs to be heated to a relativelylow-temperature to induce aerosolization, thus allowing a lower energyconsumption. Furthermore, it may be beneficial to use only agarose,which is one of the components of agar, instead of agar.

The second gel in the second chamber 32 comprises (by weight): 65%glycerin, 20% water, 14.3% solid powdered tobacco, 0.7% agar

Further or different flavors, such as menthol, can be added either inwater or in propylene glycol or glycerin prior to the formation of theeither of the gels.

The amount of gel provided in each cartridge can also be chosen to suitparticular needs. For instance, each cartridge may contain enough gel toprovide a single-occasion quantity for vaping or may contain sufficientgel for a multiple-occasion quantity for vaping.

In operation, the system is configured to operate in a continuousheating mode. This means that the heater 22 heats the cartridgethroughout an operating session rather than in response to sensed puffs.The system can be turned on using a relatively simple switch (not shown)such that the heater heats the cartridge. A temperature sensor may beincluded in the system so that an indication can be provided as to whenan operating temperature has been reached, at which an aerosol isgenerated. The gels become liquid upon heating above 85° C. Aerosolcontaining nicotine and glycerin is generated at temperatures between180° C. to 250° C. During operation, the heater operates atapproximately 250° C. The heater may operate for a fixed time periodafter activation (e.g., 6 minutes) or may operate until the system isswitched off. The operating time may depend on the amount of gelcontained within the cartridge.

The cartridge housing is formed of aluminium, which is a good thermalconductor. The heater is never in contact with the gel or any generatedvapour or aerosol. It is held in the blind slot 34 and so is isolatedfrom the generated aerosol. This ensures that there is no build-up ofcondensates on the heater, which might lead to the generation ofundesirable compounds in operation.

FIGS. 3a , 3 ab, and 3 c illustrate an example embodiment in which eachof the chambers of the cartridge is sealed by a frangible sealingelement. The mouthpiece portion is used to pierce the sealing elementsto allow vapour generated in the chambers to escape from the twochambers.

FIG. 3a illustrates the insertion of the cartridge 20 into the devicebody 12. As in FIG. 1, the cartridge comprises first and second chambers30, 32 and a blind slot 34 between the chambers. The chambers are sealedby sealing elements 50.

FIG. 3b shows the cartridge inserted into the device, with the heater 22received in the blind slot 34 between the chambers. A mouthpiece portion14 is then connected to the device body 12. FIG. 3b illustrates thedirection of insertion of the mouthpiece portion. The mouthpiece portionis provided with piercing elements 52 which acts to pierce the frangiblesealing elements and provide an escape passage 54 for vapour generatedin the first and second chambers.

FIG. 3c shows the mouthpiece portion 14 in a fully inserted position,with the piercing elements 52 extending into the first and secondchambers and allowing vapour to escape from the first and secondchambers 30, 32, into an aerosol-forming chamber in the mouthpieceportion. The vapour cools and is entrained in an airflow in themouthpiece portion to form an aerosol. As in the example embodiment ofFIG. 1, the mouthpiece portion may be provided with air inlets.Alternatively or in addition, an airflow path into the mouthpieceportion may be provided through the device. Alternatively or inaddition, an airflow path may be provided through the first and secondchambers.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of another aerosol-generating systemin accordance with an example embodiment. In the example embodiment ofFIG. 4, the aerosol-generating device 110 includes a heater 122 that ison the outside of the cavity of the device portion in which thecartridge assembly is received rather than extending into a slot formedin the cartridge assembly. The device body 112 comprises a power supply,which may be a battery 116 (e.g., lithium ion battery) and electroniccontrol circuitry 118. The device body also includes a heater 122, whichextends around a cavity in the housing of the device body. The heater isan electric heater comprising an electrically resistive track providedon a flexible substrate. Specifically, the heating element comprises ametallic etched foil forming a track, held between two layers ofKapton®. By providing a heater comprising electrically resistive trackson a flexible substrate, the heater may be easier to manufacture andform into the required shape to conform to the cavity. The controlcircuitry is configured to control the supply power from the battery 116to the electric heater 122.

The cartridge of FIG. 4 is similar to the cartridge shown in FIG. 1. Thecomposition of the gels in the two chambers 130 and 132 of the cartridgemay be the same as in the example embodiment of FIG. 1. The cartridgehousing is also formed from aluminium. However, in the exampleembodiment of FIG. 4, an open ended slot 134 is provided rather than ablind slot. The open ended slot 134 provides an airflow path from an airinlet 142 in the device body to the aerosol-forming chamber 140 in themouthpiece portion 114. A cartridge piercing arrangement similar to thatshown in FIG. 3 may be used to open the cartridge using the mouthpieceportion 114, with suitable adaptations made for the different airflowpath. The two chambers 130 and 132 may be separate and held together asin the example embodiment of FIG. 1, or may remain separate from oneanother throughout their use.

In operation, the system is configured to operate in a continuousheating mode as in the example embodiment of FIG. 1. This means that theheater 122 heats the cartridge throughout an operating session ratherthan in response to sensed puffs. The system may be turned on using asimple switch (not shown) such that the heater heats the cartridge. Atemperature sensor may be included in the system so that an indicationmay be provided as to when an operating temperature has been reached.The gels become a liquid upon heating above 85° C. Aerosol containingnicotine and glycerin is generated at temperatures between 180° C. to250° C. During operation, the heater operates at approximately 250° C.The heater may operate for a fixed time period after activation (e.g., 6minutes) or may operate until the system is switched off.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of another aerosol-generating systemin accordance with an example embodiment. The example embodiment of FIG.5 operated by using induction heating rather than by using resistiveheating. Instead of using a resistive heater either around or inside thecavity in which the cartridge is received, the device body comprises aninductor coil surrounding the cavity and a susceptor is provided in thecavity, in this example as part of the cartridge.

The device body 212 comprises a power supply, which may be a battery 216(e.g., lithium ion battery) and electronic control circuitry 218. Thedevice body also includes an induction coil 224, which extends around acavity in the housing of the device body. The device body also compriseselectronic circuitry 220 to generate an AC signal which is provided tothe induction coil 224.

The mouthpiece portion 214 is similar to the mouthpiece portion shown inFIG. 1 and encloses an aerosol-forming chamber 240. In this example airinlets 242 are provided at the junction of the mouthpiece portion andthe device body.

The cartridge of FIG. 4 is similar to the cartridge shown in FIG. 1. Thecomposition of the gels in the two chambers of the cartridge may be thesame as in the example embodiment of FIG. 1. However, rather than havinga blind cavity for receiving a heater, the adjacent walls of the twochambers comprise a susceptor material 222 that heats up in thealternating magnetic field, such as a layer of iron. The susceptormaterial in this example is provided as part of the cartridge ratherthan part of the device body, but it is possible for the susceptormaterial to be provided as part of the device body or both in thecartridge and the device body. The entire cartridge housing may beformed from a susceptor material, or a susceptor material may beprovided as a coating on one of more surfaces of the cartridge. It isalso possible to provide susceptor material within the first and secondchambers, suspended in the gel or other material contained there.

A sealing element is provided to seal the first and second chambers inthe same manner as described with reference to FIG. 1. A cartridgepiercing arrangement similar to that shown in FIG. 3 may be used to openthe cartridge using the mouthpiece portion 114, with suitableadaptations made for the different airflow path. Alternatively, a simplepeelable seal may be used and a vapour permeable membrane providedacross the open end of the first and second chambers 230, 232.

In operation, the system is configured to operate in a continuousheating mode as in the example embodiment of FIG. 1. This means thatwhen the device is switched on, the device supplies an AC signal to theinduction coil in order to generate an alternating magnetic field in thecavity. This induces current flow in the susceptor resulting in aheating of the susceptor. If a ferromagnetic material is used as thesusceptor, hysteresis losses may also contribute to the heating. Theinduction coil may be described as an induction heater in this context.By controlling the magnitude and frequency of the AC signal, thetemperature within the first and second chambers can be controlled. Atemperature sensor may be provided within the cavity and a feedbackcontrol loop used. The induction heater may operate for a fixed timeperiod after activation (e.g., 6 minutes) or may operate until thesystem is switched off.

FIG. 6a is a schematic illustration of a cartridge assembly that is heldwithin a mouthpiece tube in accordance with an example embodiment. Inthe example embodiment of FIG. 6a , the cartridge 330 is held within amouthpiece tube 300. A flow restrictor 350 and lining tubes 340, 360,370 are also held within the mouthpiece tube. The components held withinthe mouthpiece tube 300 are shown in an exploded view in FIG. 6 b.

The cartridge 330 is similar to the cartridge shown in FIG. 2c andcomprises separate chamber housings. However, the cartridge 330 has nomembrane or sealing element but includes airflow channels 335 formed inthe walls of the cartridge and air inlets 334 at the top of the airflowchannels to allow air into the open ends of the first and secondchambers.

The mouthpiece tube is formed from cardboard and has a diameter of 6.6mm and a length of 45 mm. Lining tubes 340 are formed frompolyetheretherketone (PEEK) and are provided to prevent the cardboardmouthpiece tube from absorbing moisture from within the mouthpiece tube.The lining tubes can be made relatively thin (e.g., a thickness of 0.3mm). A flow restrictor 350 is provided to restrict the airflow to ensuremixing of air with vapour from the cartridge and ensure the generationof an aerosol within the space following the restrictor, in lining tube360.

FIG. 7 illustrates the airflow within the mouthpiece tube of FIG. 6aduring operation. The mouthpiece tube is shown within the cavity 24 of adevice body 12 of the type shown in FIG. 1, but without a mouthpieceportion 14. FIG. 7 illustrates only the end of the device that receivesthe mouthpiece tube. The battery and control circuitry is not shown. Thedevice includes device air inlets 355 that allow air into an internalairflow passage 365 formed in the device around the periphery of thecavity 24. A spacer element 352 is positioned in a base of the cavity toallow air to flow from the internal airflow passage 365 into the cavity24 and then into the airflow channels 335 in the cartridge 330 andthrough the air inlets 334 into the interior of the mouthpiece tube.

The cartridge shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b may be heated by heater of thetype shown in FIG. 1 or a type shown in FIG. 4 or 5. In operation, thesystem is configured to operate in a continuous heating mode as inFIG. 1. This means that the heater heats the cartridge throughout anoperating session rather than in response to sensed puffs. The systemmay be turned on using a simple switch (not shown) such that the heaterheats the cartridge. The gels in the first and second chambers becomeliquid upon heating and vapour containing nicotine and glycerin isgenerated at temperatures between 180° C. to 250° C.

When the system is at the operating temperature, an application ofnegative pressure on a mouth end of the mouthpiece tube will draw airthrough the mouthpiece tube. Air is drawn into a distal end of themouthpiece tube, opposite the mouthpiece end from the internal airflowpassage 365. The air travels up the airflow channels 335 and through airinlets 334 into space 345. The air mixes in space 345 with vapour fromthe first and second chambers. The mixed air and vapour then passesthrough the flow restrictor 350, after which it cools to continue toform an aerosol before being drawn from the system. After operation, themouthpiece tube, including the cartridge, can be withdrawn from thedevice and disposed of. Mouthpiece tubes of this type may be sold inpacks to provide for multiple operations of the system.

Various example embodiments have been described as configured to operatein a continuous heating scheme, in which the heater is activated for adesired or predetermined time period during which an application of anegative pressure is being applied. However, the systems described maybe configured to operate in different ways. For example, power may beprovided to the heater or induction coil for only the duration of eachpuff, based on signals from an airflow sensor within the system.Alternatively, or in addition, power to the heater or induction coil maybe switched on and off in response to an actuation of a button orswitch.

While a number of example embodiments have been disclosed herein, itshould be understood that other variations may be possible. Suchvariations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit andscope of the present disclosure, and all such modifications as would beobvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within thescope of the following claims. For instance, different arrangements forairflow through the system may be provided and different heatingarrangements can be envisaged, such as non-electrical heaters.

1. A cartridge for an aerosol-generating system, the cartridgecomprising: a first chamber housing defining a first chamber; and asecond chamber housing defining a second chamber that is separate fromthe first chamber, the first chamber configured to contain anaerosol-forming substrate in a form of a first gel, the second chamberconfigured to contain a source of a desired compound, the first chamberhousing and the second chamber housing being separate or separablestructures.
 2. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the first gelincludes a thermoreversible gel.
 3. The cartridge according to claim 1,wherein the first chamber housing and the second chamber housing areconnected by a mechanical interlock or by a fastening element.
 4. Thecartridge according to claim 3, wherein the first gel includes athermoreversible gel.
 5. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein thefirst gel includes agar, agarose, Gellan gum, or sodium alginate.
 6. Thecartridge according to claim 1, wherein the source of the desiredcompound includes a nicotine source or a flavour source.
 7. Thecartridge according to claim 1, wherein the second chamber is configuredto contain a second gel, the second gel including the source of thedesired compound.
 8. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein thefirst chamber is configured to contain a nicotine source.
 9. Thecartridge according to claim 1, wherein the second chamber is configuredto contain a solid tobacco material.
 10. The cartridge according toclaim 1, wherein the first chamber housing and the second chamberhousing define a slot therebetween.
 11. The cartridge according to claim10, wherein the slot is a blind slot.
 12. The cartridge according toclaim 1, wherein the first chamber and the second chamber containdifferent compositions.
 13. The cartridge according to claim 1, whereinthe first chamber and the second chamber are blind chambers.
 14. Thecartridge according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the firstchamber housing and the second chamber housing includes a susceptorlayer.
 15. An aerosol-generating system comprising: the cartridgeaccording to claim 1; and a device body including a power supplyconfigured to apply a voltage to an electrical heater, the cartridgeconfigured to removably connect to or be removably received in thedevice body.
 16. The aerosol-generating system according to claim 15,wherein the electrical heater is configured to heat the aerosol-formingsubstrate within the first chamber housing.
 17. The aerosol-generatingsystem according to claim 15, wherein the device body includes the powersupply and the electrical heater, and the electrical heater ispositioned between the first chamber and the second chamber when thecartridge is connected to or received in the device body.
 18. Theaerosol-generating system according to claim 15, wherein the electricalheater is configured to heat the cartridge to generate a vapour, theelectrical heater not being in direct contact with the aerosol-formingsubstrate.
 19. The aerosol-generating system according to claim 18,wherein the electrical heater is configured to heat the aerosol-formingsubstrate within the first chamber housing.
 20. The aerosol-generatingsystem according to claim 19, wherein the device body includes the powersupply and the electrical heater, and the electrical heater ispositioned between the first chamber and the second chamber when thecartridge is connected to or received in the device body.